EP3901051A1 - Shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products - Google Patents
Shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3901051A1 EP3901051A1 EP21179834.3A EP21179834A EP3901051A1 EP 3901051 A1 EP3901051 A1 EP 3901051A1 EP 21179834 A EP21179834 A EP 21179834A EP 3901051 A1 EP3901051 A1 EP 3901051A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- shaping
- compostable
- concave portion
- brewing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B29/00—Packaging of materials presenting special problems
- B65B29/02—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
- B65B29/025—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package packaging infusion material into pods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
- B31D5/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles
- B31D5/0039—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
- B31D5/0073—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including pillow forming
- B31D5/0078—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including pillow forming and filling with a material other than air or gas
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
- B65B47/04—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved by application of mechanical pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
- B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
- B65B9/042—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for fluent material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
- B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
- B65D85/8046—Pods, i.e. closed containers made only of filter paper or similar material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
- B31D2205/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
- B31D2205/0005—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
- B31D2205/0011—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including particular additional operations
- B31D2205/0047—Feeding, guiding or shaping the material
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
- Y02W90/10—Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products, and a compostable pod for brewing products.
- the main application area of the present invention is the food industry and, more particularly, the technical field of manufacturing pods for brewing products, such as coffee, tea, and the like.
- packaging solutions such as capsules and pods have become increasingly popular as they make the products easy to use with specific machines that reduce the time required to prepare the beverage.
- pods have been regarded as preferable owing to the fact that only biodegradable material (e.g. filter paper) comes into contact with the product.
- biodegradable material e.g. filter paper
- the focus has increasingly shifted towards improving the quality of capsules, both for reasons of economy and because the latter preserve the product's organoleptic properties better.
- capsules there is no need for any additional packaging apart from the capsule itself and, by their very nature, they provide a gas barrier which preserves the quality of the product they contain for a long time.
- the purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.
- the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and a packaging machine which make it possible to manufacture a pod for brewing products that is both compostable and provides a gas barrier effect.
- Said purpose is achieved with a method for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products by means of a a shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products having the characteristics disclosed in one or more of claims 1 to 3, and a compostable pod for brewing products having the characteristics disclosed in claim 4.
- the method involves preparing a first and a second sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.
- it involves a step of shaping said first sheet so as to make at least a first concave portion.
- a shaping of said second sheet so as to make at least a second concave portion is involved.
- it involves filling the first concave portion with a predetermined quantity of brewing product.
- the first and the second concave portions are joined together so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing for said brewing product.
- the steps of shaping the first and the second sheet involve moistening at least a first portion of said first sheet and a second portion of said second sheet.
- it involves configuring said first and said second portions so as to make said first and said second concave portions.
- a step of drying the first and the second concave portions is involved.
- the cellulosic components of the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties can be made more malleable, so that the moistened portions can be configured by means of stamping or other methods known in the prior art.
- the subsequent drying step allows the moistened and shaped material to crystallise, so that it maintains the correct shape in order to be filled and the pod sealed.
- the subject of the present invention also comprises a shaping station and a packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products comprising said shaping station.
- the shaping station comprises a feeding unit of at least one sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.
- At least one humidification device for humidifying at least a portion of said sheet, and at least one conformation device, operationally arranged downstream of the humidification device, are provided.
- the conformation device is provided with a shaping body configured to give said portion a concave shape.
- heating means are preferably provided and configured to dry said portion so that said concave configuration is maintained.
- the packaging machine is provided with a first shaping station configured to provide a first sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties provided with at least a first concave portion and with a second shaping station configured to provide a second sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties provided with at least a second concave portion.
- a filling station is operationally arranged downstream of said first shaping station and configured to fill said first concave portion with a predetermined quantity of brewing product.
- a joining station is operationally arranged downstream of said filling station and is configured to join said second concave portion to said first concave portion so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing for said brewing product.
- reference numeral 1 denotes a packaging machine used to implement the method for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products according to the present invention.
- the machine 1, as well as the manufacturing method implemented thereby, are therefore intended for use in the manufacture and production of single-use compostable pods, of the type used to prepare beverages, primarily hot beverages, by brewing or percolation.
- the pod 100 is an element composed of a first concave portion 2a and a second concave portion 3a which are joined together so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing inside which a predetermined quantity of brewing product is placed.
- pods 100 manufactured with the machine and the method according to the present invention may differ in type and may contain a wide variety of brewing products, such as coffee (preferred), tea, herbal teas, and the like.
- first of all a first 2 and a second sheet 3 of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties are prepared.
- sheet is used here to define any flexible element having a planar extension and two-level faces opposite one another.
- sheet is used to encompass both elements having a clearly-defined planar extension as well as rolls of material wherein the length of the material is much greater than its width.
- the first 2 or the second sheet 3 of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties is preferably made of a composite material having a cellulosic component and a biopolymeric or bioplastic component.
- Said material has absolutely no fossil or petroleum-derived content and can therefore be considered wholly compostable or biodegradable in accordance with even the strictest requirements of national legislation.
- the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties has a basis weight of between 90 and 150 grams.
- the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties comprises a plurality of superimposed layers, including one or more of the following:
- the biodegradable fibres used may be chosen, for instance, from a group containing:
- the adhesive layer if present, is preferably of the acrylic type.
- the method for manufacturing the pod 100 must generally comprise a step of shaping the first 2 and the second sheet 3 so as to make the first concave portion 2a on the first sheet 2 and the second concave portion 3a on the second sheet 3.
- a succession of first concave portions 2a are made on the first sheet 2 and a corresponding succession of second concave portions 3a are made on the second sheet 3.
- said steps of shaping the first 2 and the second sheet 3 envisage moistening at least a first portion of said first sheet 2 and a second portion of said second sheet 3.
- the humidification or impregnation of the portions of the sheets 2, 3 is performed by directing at least one steam flow at a predetermined temperature against the first and said second portion.
- the humidification step could be performed using other methods.
- the humidification step could be performed by nebulising a liquid (e.g. demineralised water) on the sheet 2, 3 or by impregnating the sheet 2, 3 using specific devices (baths, rollers, sponges).
- the step of moistening the first or the second portion is performed by directing two separate steam flows, which can preferably be controlled and adjusted separately, against the two faces of each first 2 or second sheet 3.
- this allows the different layers of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties to be impregnated in different ways.
- the shaping step further involves configuring the first and the second portion so as to make the first 2a and the second concave portion 3a.
- the previously moistened portion of the first 2 and of the second sheet 3 is configured, for example by means of a punch, stamp or the like.
- the cellulosic fractions of the material are more malleable and the risk of breakage is considerably reduced, while maintaining production speeds compatible with the cycle times required to meet the demands of today's market.
- the first 2a and the second concave portion 3a are dried.
- the drying step involves heating the first 2a and the second concave portion 3a, at the same time as or following said shaping step, in order to crystallise the shape of the material that has been obtained.
- the concave portions 2a, 3a obtained from the shaping step are then used to manufacture the pod 100.
- the first concave portion 2a is filled with a predetermined quantity 4 of brewing product, which, as already mentioned, may vary in type.
- first concave portion 2a filled with said quantity 4 is joined to the second concave portion 3a so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing for said brewing product.
- the method that is the subject of the invention allows you to manufacture a pod 100 wherein both the first 2a and the second concave portion 3a are preformed and made of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.
- This method is implemented, for example, with the packaging machine 1 that is the subject of the invention.
- This machine 1 comprises one or more shaping stations 5, 6, a filling station 7 and a joining station 8.
- the machine 1 comprises a first shaping station 5 and a second shaping station 6.
- the first shaping station 5 is configured to provide the first sheet 2 of biodegradable material provided with said first concave portion 2a, preferably with a succession of first concave portions 2a.
- the second shaping station 6 is configured to provide the second sheet 3 of biodegradable material provided with said second concave portion 3a, preferably with a succession of second concave portions 3a.
- first 5 and the second shaping station 6 could be arranged within one device and could act simultaneously on the two sheets 2, 3, or they could be physically separate, without in any case departing from the spirit of the invention.
- Each shaping station 5, 6 comprises a feeding unit 9 of the respective first 2 or second sheet 3 of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.
- This feeding unit 9 is configured to feed the sheet 2, 3 (or the strip) along a direction of travel "A".
- a humidification device 10 for humidifying at least a portion of the respective first 2 or second sheet 3.
- the humidification device 10 comprises at least one steam generator 10a configured to generate a steam flow "V" hitting the respective portion of the first 2 or second sheet 3.
- the humidification device 10 comprises two steam generators 10a arranged opposite one another, each directed towards a respective face of the first 2 or second sheet 3.
- These steam generators 10a can preferably be controlled separately, to enable the differentiation and optimisation of the impregnation of each face of the sheet 2, 3.
- humidification systems such as nebuliser/spray nozzles or applicator rollers (e.g. with brushes or sponges).
- the conformation device 11 comprises at least one shaping body 12 and heating means 13.
- the shaping body 12 is configured to give the impregnated portion of the sheet a concave configuration.
- the heating means 13 are, instead, configured to dry said portion so that said concave configuration is maintained.
- the shaping body 12 comprises at least one stamp 12a (convex) able to move towards and away from a mould 12b (concave) with a mutually complementary shape.
- the heating means 13 comprise a heating body 13a connected to said stamp 12a and/or to said mould 12b in order to dry the concave portion 2a, 3a of the first 2 or second sheet 3 during the configuration.
- the heating body 13a is defined by at least one element incorporated in the stamp 12a or in the mould 12b.
- the shaping body 12 is configured to exert a compressive force of between 1000 and 3000 N.
- the heating body 13a is, instead, preferably configured to increase the temperature of the stamp 12a or of the mould 12b to a temperature of between 50 and 130°C during the configuration step.
- the invention achieves its intended purposes and significant advantages are thus obtained.
- the filling station 7 comprises a dispensing device 7a, of a type known in the prior art and therefore not described in detail here.
- the dispenser 7a may be of the type for dispensing pre-set weights or volumes, or of the timed type, without in any case departing from the spirit of the invention.
- the joining station 8 may, in turn, vary in type.
- an ultrasound welding device 8a (sonotrode) is used to avoid or limit the presence of adhesive.
- performing the drying step during configuration means that the exact configuration is maintained, facilitating the subsequent steps of filling and joining and freeing the manufacturer from the need to use suction or vacuum systems to maintain such shape.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products, and a compostable pod for brewing products.
- The main application area of the present invention is the food industry and, more particularly, the technical field of manufacturing pods for brewing products, such as coffee, tea, and the like.
- In recent years, in the field of brewing products, packaging solutions such as capsules and pods have become increasingly popular as they make the products easy to use with specific machines that reduce the time required to prepare the beverage.
- Of the two main solutions, pods have been regarded as preferable owing to the fact that only biodegradable material (e.g. filter paper) comes into contact with the product. However, the focus has increasingly shifted towards improving the quality of capsules, both for reasons of economy and because the latter preserve the product's organoleptic properties better.
- With capsules, there is no need for any additional packaging apart from the capsule itself and, by their very nature, they provide a gas barrier which preserves the quality of the product they contain for a long time.
- For this reason, some manufacturers have recently decided to modify the "pod" concept, and started to develop versions that, while continuing to feature the famous disk shape, are made of materials such as aluminium or the like capable of providing a gas barrier.
- Unfortunately, this solution is at odds with the significant rise in environmental awareness among institutions and consumers in recent years.
- Thus, at present, none of the solutions available on the market are able to combine the quality of pods made of barrier material with the environmental sustainability of conventional pods, made of filter paper.
- The purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.
- In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and a packaging machine which make it possible to manufacture a pod for brewing products that is both compostable and provides a gas barrier effect.
- Said purpose is achieved with a method for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products by means of a a shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products having the characteristics disclosed in one or more of claims 1 to 3, and a compostable pod for brewing products having the characteristics disclosed in
claim 4. - In particular, the method involves preparing a first and a second sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.
- Preferably, it involves a step of shaping said first sheet so as to make at least a first concave portion.
- Preferably, a shaping of said second sheet so as to make at least a second concave portion is involved.
- Preferably, it involves filling the first concave portion with a predetermined quantity of brewing product.
- Preferably, the first and the second concave portions are joined together so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing for said brewing product.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, the steps of shaping the first and the second sheet involve moistening at least a first portion of said first sheet and a second portion of said second sheet.
- Preferably, furthermore, it involves configuring said first and said second portions so as to make said first and said second concave portions.
- Preferably, a step of drying the first and the second concave portions is involved.
- Advantageously, thanks to the moistening step, the cellulosic components of the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties can be made more malleable, so that the moistened portions can be configured by means of stamping or other methods known in the prior art.
- Moreover, the subsequent drying step allows the moistened and shaped material to crystallise, so that it maintains the correct shape in order to be filled and the pod sealed.
- Thanks to this method, it is therefore possible to manufacture a compostable pod with gas barrier properties in a simple manner that is cost-effective for the manufacturer.
- The subject of the present invention also comprises a shaping station and a packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products comprising said shaping station.
- The shaping station comprises a feeding unit of at least one sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.
- Preferably, at least one humidification device, for humidifying at least a portion of said sheet, and at least one conformation device, operationally arranged downstream of the humidification device, are provided.
- According to one aspect of the invention, the conformation device is provided with a shaping body configured to give said portion a concave shape.
- Furthermore, heating means are preferably provided and configured to dry said portion so that said concave configuration is maintained.
- The packaging machine is provided with a first shaping station configured to provide a first sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties provided with at least a first concave portion and with a second shaping station configured to provide a second sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties provided with at least a second concave portion.
- Furthermore, a filling station is operationally arranged downstream of said first shaping station and configured to fill said first concave portion with a predetermined quantity of brewing product.
- Lastly, a joining station is operationally arranged downstream of said filling station and is configured to join said second concave portion to said first concave portion so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing for said brewing product.
- These and other characteristics, together with their respective advantages, will be more apparent from the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, description that follows of a preferred, and therefore non-exclusive, embodiment of a machine and of a method for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products according to what is shown in the accompanying figures, wherein:
-
Figure 1 shows a schematic vertical perspective view of a packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products according to the present invention; -
Figure 2 shows a schematic vertical perspective view of a shaping station for the packaging machine inFigure 1 ; -
Figures 3a and 3b show a side view of apod 100 manufactured with the packaging machine inFigure 1 and a single preformed concave portion manufactured with the shaping station inFigure 2 . - With reference to the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a packaging machine used to implement the method for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products according to the present invention.
- The machine 1, as well as the manufacturing method implemented thereby, are therefore intended for use in the manufacture and production of single-use compostable pods, of the type used to prepare beverages, primarily hot beverages, by brewing or percolation.
- In general, the
pod 100 is an element composed of a firstconcave portion 2a and a secondconcave portion 3a which are joined together so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing inside which a predetermined quantity of brewing product is placed. - It should be noted that the
pods 100 manufactured with the machine and the method according to the present invention may differ in type and may contain a wide variety of brewing products, such as coffee (preferred), tea, herbal teas, and the like. - From a procedural point of view, first of all a first 2 and a
second sheet 3 of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties are prepared. - The term "sheet" is used here to define any flexible element having a planar extension and two-level faces opposite one another.
- It should be noted that the term "sheet" is used to encompass both elements having a clearly-defined planar extension as well as rolls of material wherein the length of the material is much greater than its width.
- The spirit of the invention is meant to encompass both "in line" solutions and more stationary solutions, in which single sheets of material are processed discreetly.
- The first 2 or the
second sheet 3 of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties is preferably made of a composite material having a cellulosic component and a biopolymeric or bioplastic component. - Said material has absolutely no fossil or petroleum-derived content and can therefore be considered wholly compostable or biodegradable in accordance with even the strictest requirements of national legislation.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties has a basis weight of between 90 and 150 grams.
- Preferably, the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties comprises a plurality of superimposed layers, including one or more of the following:
- a non-woven fabric comprising at least 40% biodegradable fibres by weight, and preferably by total weight;
- a layer of adhesive that is suitable for coming into contact with foodstuffs and, in any case, less than 5% by weight of the material;
- a barrier medium capable of reducing gas permeability, such as vegetable parchment or the like.
- The biodegradable fibres used may be chosen, for instance, from a group containing:
- PLA (polylactic acid),
- PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates);
- PHB (poly-β-hydroxybutyrate);
- PHB(V) (poly hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate);
- PBS (polybutylene succinate);
- biopolyester;
- cellulosic fibres such as cotton, linen and wood fibres.
- The adhesive layer, if present, is preferably of the acrylic type.
- The method for manufacturing the
pod 100 must generally comprise a step of shaping the first 2 and thesecond sheet 3 so as to make the firstconcave portion 2a on thefirst sheet 2 and the secondconcave portion 3a on thesecond sheet 3. - Preferably, a succession of first
concave portions 2a are made on thefirst sheet 2 and a corresponding succession of secondconcave portions 3a are made on thesecond sheet 3. - It should be noted that, such shaping steps may be performed simultaneously or in successive steps, in a same station or in different stations, without in any case departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- According to the invention, said steps of shaping the first 2 and the
second sheet 3 envisage moistening at least a first portion of saidfirst sheet 2 and a second portion of saidsecond sheet 3. - Preferably, the humidification or impregnation of the portions of the
sheets - Alternatively, however, the humidification step could be performed using other methods. For example, the humidification step could be performed by nebulising a liquid (e.g. demineralised water) on the
sheet sheet - According to the preferred embodiment, the step of moistening the first or the second portion is performed by directing two separate steam flows, which can preferably be controlled and adjusted separately, against the two faces of each first 2 or
second sheet 3. - Advantageously, this allows the different layers of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties to be impregnated in different ways.
- The shaping step further involves configuring the first and the second portion so as to make the first 2a and the second
concave portion 3a. - In other words, the previously moistened portion of the first 2 and of the
second sheet 3 is configured, for example by means of a punch, stamp or the like. - Advantageously, in this way the cellulosic fractions of the material are more malleable and the risk of breakage is considerably reduced, while maintaining production speeds compatible with the cycle times required to meet the demands of today's market.
- Following, or at the same time as the configuration process, the first 2a and the second
concave portion 3a are dried. - In other words, the drying step involves heating the first 2a and the second
concave portion 3a, at the same time as or following said shaping step, in order to crystallise the shape of the material that has been obtained. - The
concave portions pod 100. - In particular, the first
concave portion 2a is filled with apredetermined quantity 4 of brewing product, which, as already mentioned, may vary in type. - Lastly, the first
concave portion 2a, filled with saidquantity 4, is joined to the secondconcave portion 3a so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing for said brewing product. - Therefore, advantageously, the method that is the subject of the invention allows you to manufacture a
pod 100 wherein both the first 2a and the secondconcave portion 3a are preformed and made of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties. - This method is implemented, for example, with the packaging machine 1 that is the subject of the invention.
- This machine 1 comprises one or
more shaping stations station 8. - In particular, the machine 1 comprises a
first shaping station 5 and asecond shaping station 6. - The
first shaping station 5 is configured to provide thefirst sheet 2 of biodegradable material provided with said firstconcave portion 2a, preferably with a succession of firstconcave portions 2a. - The
second shaping station 6 is configured to provide thesecond sheet 3 of biodegradable material provided with said secondconcave portion 3a, preferably with a succession of secondconcave portions 3a. - It should be noted that the first 5 and the
second shaping station 6 could be arranged within one device and could act simultaneously on the twosheets - Each shaping
station feeding unit 9 of the respective first 2 orsecond sheet 3 of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties. - This
feeding unit 9 is configured to feed thesheet 2, 3 (or the strip) along a direction of travel "A". - Along said direction of travel "A" there is a
humidification device 10 for humidifying at least a portion of the respective first 2 orsecond sheet 3. - Preferably, the
humidification device 10 comprises at least onesteam generator 10a configured to generate a steam flow "V" hitting the respective portion of the first 2 orsecond sheet 3. - According to the preferred embodiment, the
humidification device 10 comprises twosteam generators 10a arranged opposite one another, each directed towards a respective face of the first 2 orsecond sheet 3. - These
steam generators 10a can preferably be controlled separately, to enable the differentiation and optimisation of the impregnation of each face of thesheet - Alternatively, however, other humidification systems could be used, such as nebuliser/spray nozzles or applicator rollers (e.g. with brushes or sponges).
- Operationally downstream of the
humidification device 10 there is aconformation device 11. - The
conformation device 11 comprises at least one shapingbody 12 and heating means 13. - The shaping
body 12 is configured to give the impregnated portion of the sheet a concave configuration. - The heating means 13 are, instead, configured to dry said portion so that said concave configuration is maintained.
- According to the preferred embodiment, the shaping
body 12 comprises at least onestamp 12a (convex) able to move towards and away from amould 12b (concave) with a mutually complementary shape. - In this way the portion of the first 2 or of the
second sheet 3 is given its concave configuration. - Preferably, the heating means 13 comprise a
heating body 13a connected to saidstamp 12a and/or to saidmould 12b in order to dry theconcave portion second sheet 3 during the configuration. - Preferably, the
heating body 13a is defined by at least one element incorporated in thestamp 12a or in themould 12b. - According to the preferred embodiment, the shaping
body 12 is configured to exert a compressive force of between 1000 and 3000 N. - The
heating body 13a is, instead, preferably configured to increase the temperature of thestamp 12a or of themould 12b to a temperature of between 50 and 130°C during the configuration step. - Advantageously, in this way the accurate configuration of the
concave portions - The invention achieves its intended purposes and significant advantages are thus obtained.
- The filling station 7 comprises a
dispensing device 7a, of a type known in the prior art and therefore not described in detail here. Thedispenser 7a may be of the type for dispensing pre-set weights or volumes, or of the timed type, without in any case departing from the spirit of the invention. - The joining
station 8 may, in turn, vary in type. Preferably, anultrasound welding device 8a (sonotrode) is used to avoid or limit the presence of adhesive. - However, a heat sealer or other system known in the prior art could easily be used instead.
- Indeed, given the consecutive nature of the humidification and drying steps, with the shaping step performed between these, the risks of fractures and breaks in the biodegradable material, which is ill-suited to dry forming owing to its cellulosic components, are reduced to a minimum.
- Moreover, performing the drying step during configuration means that the exact configuration is maintained, facilitating the subsequent steps of filling and joining and freeing the manufacturer from the need to use suction or vacuum systems to maintain such shape.
Claims (4)
- A shaping station (5, 6) for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products, characterised in that it comprises:- a feeding unit (9) for feeding at least one sheet (2, 3) made of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties;- a humidification device (10) for humidifying at least a portion of said sheet (2, 3);- a conformation device (11) operationally arranged downstream of the humidification device (10) and provided witha shaping body (12) configured to give said portion a concave configuration;heating means (13) configured to dry said portion enabling said concave configuration to be maintained.
- The shaping station according to claim 1, wherein said shaping body (12) comprises at least one stamp (12a) capable of moving towards and away from a mould (12b) with a mutually complementary shape to give the sheet portion (2, 3) said concave configuration; said heating elements (13) comprising a heating body (13a) connected to said stamp (12a) and/or to said mould (12b) with the purpose of drying the sheet portion (2, 3) during the shaping process.
- The shaping station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the humidification device (10) comprises at least one steam generator (10a) configured to generate a steam flow (V) hitting said sheet portion (2, 3).
- A compostable pod for brewing products, comprising:- a first concave portion (2a);- a second concave portion (3a) joined to said first concave portion (2a) so that the respective concavities are opposite one another and define a casing;- a predetermined quantity (4) of brewing product arranged inside said casing;characterised in that said first (2a) and said second concave portion (3a) are made of preformed biodegradable filtering material with gas barrier properties.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT102018000008032A IT201800008032A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2018-08-10 | METHOD AND PACKAGING MACHINE FOR THE REALIZATION OF A COMPOSTABLE POD FOR INFUSION PRODUCTS AND COMPOSTABLE PAD FOR INFUSION PRODUCTS |
EP19769581.0A EP3833611B1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
PCT/IB2019/056704 WO2020031096A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19769581.0A Division-Into EP3833611B1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
EP19769581.0A Division EP3833611B1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3901051A1 true EP3901051A1 (en) | 2021-10-27 |
Family
ID=64902173
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19769581.0A Active EP3833611B1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
EP22179412.6A Pending EP4180353A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products |
EP21179834.3A Pending EP3901051A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Shaping station for a machine for making compostable pods for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19769581.0A Active EP3833611B1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and compostable pod for brewing products |
EP22179412.6A Pending EP4180353A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-07 | Method and packaging machine for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210300609A1 (en) |
EP (3) | EP3833611B1 (en) |
BR (2) | BR122022015534B1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK3833611T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2929242T3 (en) |
HU (1) | HUE060143T2 (en) |
IT (1) | IT201800008032A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3833611T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT3833611T (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020031096A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102022128000A1 (en) | 2022-04-22 | 2023-10-26 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | METHOD FOR OPERATING A PACKAGING MACHINE FOR FOOD PRODUCTS, AND PACKAGING MACHINE |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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PL4101774T3 (en) * | 2021-06-11 | 2024-03-18 | Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | Sealing device and method for sealing packagings |
AU2022317235A1 (en) | 2021-07-30 | 2024-01-18 | Sociéte Des Produits Nestlé S.A. | Manufacturing line for manufacturing a compostable pod for brewing products and system for measuring and regulating the relative humidity of a biodegradable paper-based material |
WO2023007021A1 (en) | 2021-07-30 | 2023-02-02 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | System and method for forming a compostable pod for beverages from a sheet having a controlled moisture level |
WO2023046883A2 (en) * | 2021-09-23 | 2023-03-30 | Syntegon Technology Gmbh | Packaging machine and method for producing packagings |
EP4190707A1 (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-07 | Fameccanica.Data S.p.A. | Wetting unit and forming machine and method for producing unit dose articles |
WO2023166001A1 (en) * | 2022-03-03 | 2023-09-07 | Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. | Method for manufacturing a compostable pod |
TW202402637A (en) | 2022-04-05 | 2024-01-16 | 瑞士商雀巢製品股份有限公司 | Compostable pod for beverage preparation |
DE102022111528A1 (en) * | 2022-05-09 | 2023-11-09 | Syntegon Technology Gmbh | Method for producing a packaging element |
WO2024033336A1 (en) | 2022-08-12 | 2024-02-15 | Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. | System and method for manufacturing a compostable pod for beverage preparation from a paper-based material |
WO2024068813A1 (en) | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. | Compostable pod shaped from a sheet of cellulose-based material |
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2018
- 2018-08-10 IT IT102018000008032A patent/IT201800008032A1/en unknown
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2019
- 2019-08-07 BR BR122022015534-0A patent/BR122022015534B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2019-08-07 DK DK19769581.0T patent/DK3833611T3/en active
- 2019-08-07 EP EP19769581.0A patent/EP3833611B1/en active Active
- 2019-08-07 EP EP22179412.6A patent/EP4180353A1/en active Pending
- 2019-08-07 BR BR122022015550A patent/BR122022015550A8/en active Search and Examination
- 2019-08-07 HU HUE19769581A patent/HUE060143T2/en unknown
- 2019-08-07 PT PT197695810T patent/PT3833611T/en unknown
- 2019-08-07 PL PL19769581.0T patent/PL3833611T3/en unknown
- 2019-08-07 US US17/266,315 patent/US20210300609A1/en active Pending
- 2019-08-07 EP EP21179834.3A patent/EP3901051A1/en active Pending
- 2019-08-07 WO PCT/IB2019/056704 patent/WO2020031096A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-08-07 ES ES19769581T patent/ES2929242T3/en active Active
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WO2008155226A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2008-12-24 | Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes | Degradable impermeable packaging for infusing an infusible substance |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR122022015550A2 (en) | 2021-07-27 |
WO2020031096A1 (en) | 2020-02-13 |
BR112021002475A8 (en) | 2022-11-16 |
PL3833611T3 (en) | 2022-12-05 |
US20210300609A1 (en) | 2021-09-30 |
IT201800008032A1 (en) | 2020-02-10 |
HUE060143T2 (en) | 2023-02-28 |
BR112021002475A2 (en) | 2021-07-27 |
EP3833611A1 (en) | 2021-06-16 |
PT3833611T (en) | 2022-10-26 |
BR122022015534B1 (en) | 2023-10-10 |
ES2929242T3 (en) | 2022-11-25 |
EP4180353A1 (en) | 2023-05-17 |
DK3833611T3 (en) | 2022-11-07 |
EP3833611B1 (en) | 2022-08-03 |
BR122022015534A8 (en) | 2023-03-21 |
BR122022015550A8 (en) | 2023-03-21 |
BR122022015534A2 (en) | 2021-07-27 |
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